I’ve listed for you three fake websites and three real websites. Comparing and understanding the format and functionality of these sites can help determine how to spot fake ones to keep your information safe.
Fake Websites:
One: https://bestdealsonline.com/
This website is likely fake because there is no contact information, multiple links that take you to other Ads, no information about the company, and poor functionality. Overall, it does not look like it is a trustworthy website.
This website is mentioned to help students spot inaccurate websites. This site provides false information about “Dihydrogen Monoxide,” which is water, making it sound dangerous or harmful, with the research on the site linking water uses in solvents and industrial techniques. This site jokes about paying attention to information inside the FAQ section.
Three: http://ww1.companyforyouthsome.com/
This website raises multiple flags that suggest it is fake and not trustworthy. The first red flag is the URL “ww1,” indicating that it is likely trying to mimic a legitimate URL. The website does not provide any contact information or about the organization page. Also, the site has a poor design with three other links you can choose from, making it seem like an Ad page similar to the best deals online site.
Real Website:
This website is highly recognized for its online products and marketing. First, it has a secure connection, so the data is encrypted during transmission. There are customer reviews about goods and services and customer support with multiple communication methods. Lastly, unlike the others, the platform has been reliable and trusted for over 20 years.
Two: https://www.npr.org/
This website is recognized as an unbiased news organization that covers national and international news and a wide range of other topics. Sources used are legitimate and are trusted by other agencies and organizations. The site has a secure connection, an about me section, and a contact and help information area. Overall, this site domain has been active and legitimate for over 25 years and is clear in its purpose and information.
Three: https://www.va.gov/
This website is a legitimate government website that is a federal government agency responsible for the care and services of veterans and their dependents. This secure site prompts users to sign in officially with two-factor authentication. This site is transparent, providing clear guidance on the services and benefits available to veterans, with detailed information on how to apply for them. This site has a contact information section and an about me section, and the logo is accurate for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Lastly, knowing it is a secure website at the very top states it is an official website of the United States government and tells you how it is.
In summary, the fake websites above have several red flags and offer no clear and concise information, like no contact data. In contrast, real websites are transparent, with a long-recognized history, and clearly provide information about them and their purpose. Verifying the website’s legitimacy is essential to keep personal information or transactions safe.